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Mai ElMallah

Professor of Pediatrics
Pediatrics, Pulmonary and Sleep Medicine
2301 Erwin Road, Durham, NC 27710

Overview


Our laboratory focuses on the control of breathing and pulmonary mechanics in murine models of several genetic diseases. These genetic diseases include Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy, Pompe Disease, ALS, and Spino-cerebellar ataxia Type 7. We also investigate the ability of gene therapy and neuromodulation to treat respiratory insufficiency in neuromuscular diseases. As a clinician-scientist, my goal is to bring therapy from the bench to the bedside and enhance our research at the bench through observations at the bedside.


Our clinical research focus is on the impact of novel therapies on respiratory function in Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy and Pompe Disease. We study the impact of recent therapies on breathing in these disorders and the impact of social determinants of health on clinical outcome measures.

Current Appointments & Affiliations


Professor of Pediatrics · 2025 - Present Pediatrics, Pulmonary and Sleep Medicine, Pediatrics
Chief, Division of Pulmonary and Sleep Medicine · 2021 - Present Pediatrics, Pulmonary and Sleep Medicine, Pediatrics
Associate Professor in Neurobiology · 2020 - Present Neurobiology, Basic Science Departments
Associate Professor in Cell Biology · 2020 - Present Cell Biology, Basic Science Departments

In the News


Published August 8, 2022
Young Minds Study the Brain at Duke

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Recent Publications


Consensus recommendations and considerations for the delivery and monitoring of gene therapy in patients with Duchenne muscular dystrophy.

Journal Article Neuromuscul Disord · September 2025 Gene transfer therapy represents a major advancement in the treatment of patients with Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD). As clinical use expands, there is an urgent need for standardized, evidence and practice-informed guidelines to ensure safe and equita ... Full text Link to item Cite

Decarbonization Potential of Alternative Fuels in Container Shipping: A Case Study of the EVER ALOT Vessel

Journal Article Environments Mdpi · September 1, 2025 Environmental emissions from the maritime sector, including CO2, NOx, and SOx, contribute significantly to global air pollution and climate change. The International Maritime Organization (IMO) has set a target to reduce gr ... Full text Cite

Neuromuscular junction transcriptome analysis of spinal and bulbar muscular atrophy mice implicates sarcomere gene expression and calcium flux dysregulation in disease pathogenesis.

Journal Article Hum Mol Genet · July 3, 2025 X-linked Spinal and Bulbar Muscular Atrophy (SBMA) is a rare, late-onset neuromuscular disease caused by a CAG repeat expansion mutation in the androgen receptor (AR) gene. SBMA is characterized by progressive muscle atrophy of both neurogenic and myopathi ... Full text Link to item Cite
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Recent Grants


Unified Program for Therapeutics in Children

Inst. Training Prgm or CMEPreceptor · Awarded by National Institutes of Health · 2025 - 2030

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Education, Training & Certifications


Queens University Belfast (United Kingdom) · 2001 M.B.B.S.